The Celebrations Linger On

SinC Workshop

Rather than transition (our monthly theme) to a new subject matter, I’m going to continue with the topic Linda Rodriguez so ably introduced on Friday: Bouchercon 2016, which took place over the last five days in New Orleans. Linda was very much a part of this special event with her participation in the Sisters on Crime SinC into Great Writing workshop, Doing Diversity Right. She and other experts analyzed how writers can make their work more accessible and meaningful to readers by respecting cultures and disabilities through choice of words, plots, and character depictions and reactions.

Edith Maxwell, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Ramona DeFlice Long at Sinc Breakfast

Celebrations and champagne (served at the Sisters in Crime breakfast, with founder Sara Paretsky in attendance, and during at least two panels) were in evidence during the conference. The following anniversaries were recognized: the 75^th year of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, the 30^th year of Sisters in Crime, and the 6^th year of a writing critique group including Donna Andrews, Ellen Crosby, John Gilstrap, Allan Orloff, and Art Taylor.



The audience very much enjoyed sampling a liquid recipe featured in Ellen’s upcoming novel, The Champagne Conspiracy.

Eleanor Cawood Jones, Alan Orloff, Donna Andrews, Art Taylor, John Gilstrap, and Ellen Crosby

Ace Atkins interviewing Julie Smith

A major topic of discussion, in both formal and informal settings, was transitions in the publishing industry. Ace Atkins conducted an inspiring interview with Julie Smith, whose Skip Langdon novels were my introduction to New Orleans. Julie mentioned that she has found a new passion working in publishing. When asked how that work could be a passion, she explained that she had helped writers whose series had not been published in a number of years come out with new work for readers to enjoy.

Edith Maxwell, Debra Goldstein, Terrie Farley Moran, PGB, and Lori Rader-Day

Having the opportunity to revel in the company of authors and reconnect with dear friends in a city that truly knows how to party was a fabulously memorable experience. If you ask me what kind of shoes I’ve been wearing, I’ll have to answer truthfully, comfortable ones. It takes a lot of walking to navigate Bouchercon and New Orleans. Many thanks to all the organizers and participants. Now that I’ve returned home, I can’t help but feel a bit of a glass slipper complex. Midnight approaches and it’s time to return to normal life. Yet, in my heart, the party lingers on. Let the good times roll!